Newsletter for Thursday, Oct 06 2016

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

WHY PHILLY’S ‘DEATH TRAP’ DUCK BOATS SHUT DOWN

Philadelphia’s “Ride the Ducks” water-to-land tour operation has shut down for the foreseeable future due to soaring insurance costs, the company announced late Wednesday. The move was cheered by a Philadelphia lawyer who’s sued the company, who called it “good news for those who are concerned about the safety of tourists and pedestrians.” Ride the Ducks blamed circumstances beyond its control, like a 330 percent hike in its insurance premiums. That lawyer, Robert J. Mongeluzzi, has already sued the company in federal court for a 2010 fatal accident involving tourists; he’s also suing for a 2015 accident that killed one woman on a city street, and says the closure won’t stop that legal action: “Those vehicles are fatally flawed,” Mongeluzzi said. “They’re death traps.” Here’s what we know so far, plus a look back at some of Ride the Ducks’ accidents in recent years.

WHY PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE OFFICES ARE ALMOST ALWAYS WHITE AND MALE

Between the 18th Century and today, just five women have been elected to seven statewide executive positions. Another 25 have been elected to statewide judicial seats, out of more than 200 judges. Five African-Americans have been elected to these same courts. No woman has been elected governor or sent to the U.S. Senate. In history of the Commonwealth, there have been no Asian-Americans, nor anyone Latinx and no one openly LGBT. Basically, you have to be white and male to win a statewide election in Pennsylvania. The reasons why are complicated… but also not.

PEW: PHILADELPHIANS* ARE HAPPIER ABOUT THE CITY THAN THEY’VE BEEN IN YEARS

Turns out we actually enjoyed hosting the Pope and the DNC. Seventy-three percent of respondents to a Pew survey said they’d like the city to host more large events. Pew asked 1,600 residents how they feel about Philadelphia’s future and the answers are mostly positive. *But take note: The groups most likely to have a positive view were whites, those making $100K or more per year, college graduates and people who have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years or less. And the survey also revealed those respondents aren’t sure if they’ll stay here. Check out some other highlights from the survey.

As part of DesignPhiladelphia, take a tour of the PSPCA building in North Philly and meet cute cats and dogs while sipping on drinks. Also learn about a competition to design the best inexpensive chicken coops. For the animals.